Last Updated: August 27, 2024
The Bright Side: SanMar Launches Backpacks To Benefit Charity
The supplier is donating $5 for every pack sold to either the American Red Cross or the American Cancer Society.
Counselor Top 40 supplier SanMar (asi/84863) is making it easier for companies and teams to build co-branded charitable giving into their promotional campaigns.
The Issaquah, WA-based company launched two Charity Tech Packs, which will benefit the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society, with SanMar donating $5 for every pack sold to the associated organization.
“This launch is really something new for our industry, and I can’t wait to see the impact these backpacks make,” said Jeremy Lott, SanMar president and a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of the most influential people in promo. “Let’s say a company wants to outfit their team with gear that aligns with their charitable giving mission. These backpacks give them the chance to put their stamp on product that’s co-branded with the American Red Cross or American Cancer Society.”
This Charity Tech Pack (ACFG10ACS) from SanMar (asi/84863) is co-branded with the American Cancer Society, and the supplier donates $5 to the organization for every pack so.
The Charity Tech Packs (ACFG10ARC or ACFG10ACS) were designed with sustainability in mind, using durable ballistic and recycled polyester. Features include a padded laptop compartment, integrated luggage strap and ergonomic mesh shoulder straps. The backpacks also feature an interior QR code, explaining the charitable component and encouraging end-users to make their own donation to extend the impact.
“We wanted to tell this story and get these charities out there while giving businesses a broader opportunity to lean into charitable giving with a pack that’s both sustainable and durable,” said Shel Renning, vice president of merchandising for SanMar.
The Red Cross responds to an average of 65,000 disaster responses every year through more than 230 chapters. In 2023, the Red Cross worked with its partners to provide more than 4.5 million meals and snacks to people in need. Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross, said the charity is thankful to SanMar and its customers.
“Their generosity means the world to people in need, who rely on the American Red Cross when they have nowhere else to turn,” McKeough added.
Over 110 years old, the American Cancer Society focuses on advocacy, research and patient support to help people with cancer and their families. “As an organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone, we are deeply grateful for partnerships that enable us to provide critical support to those impacted by cancer,” said Jessica Silva, vice president at the American Cancer Society.
SanMar ranked first on Counselor’s most recent list of the top suppliers in the promotional products industry, with estimated 2023 revenue of $3.6 billion.
Learn More About Supplier Giveback Programs
The Do-Gooders Directory, part of ASI Media’s Promo for the Planet resource hub, is an extensive and regularly updated list of supplier and distributor giveback programs, corporate social responsibility initiatives and sustainability certifications. Check it out here.
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